SERRA DA ESTRELA & SILVER COAST
Vineyards, forested mountains + Atlantic views
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SERRA DA ESTRELA – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 11 or 12
Tour Type: Self-Guided
Airport Porto
Km / day: 40-85km
Elevation gain / day: 200-1300m
Overall Difficulty: Medium
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
Are you looking to get off the beaten track in 2025 or 26? The Serra da Estrela could be the one for you! Here’s everything you need to know…
How challenging is this tour?
This is a moderately challenging tour, with two suggested rest days. However, whilst the climbs at the start of this tour are relatively challenging, the surfaces are non-technical and the views will reward you! Along the coast the riding is much flatter and will feel super easy after the mountains.
What levels of support do you provide?
You can either download this tour right now for the route files, accommodation and restaurant / cafe recommendations, or alternatively you can book a self-guided tour and we will take care of your reservations, luggage transfers and be on hand for 24/7 support – just get in touch!
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
If you have some gravel riding experience, you should be able to handle the terrain on this tour. The first half is mostly on good rural tracks through the mountains, so although the climbs are quite challenging, the ground is non-technical.
For the later sections, you will ride on good quality cycle tracks, including EuroVelo 1, along the beautiful Atlantic coast. All our routes are checked by our team, so there is no hike-a-bike!
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
You will start your journey on one of the most scenic train rides in Europe along the Douro valley. Following this you will climb through vineyards and rolling hills before hitting the forested slopes of the Serra da Estrela. The final days take you alongside the Rio Mondego and the Atlantic Coast to Porto.
On the way you will visit remote mountain villages, quaint towns such as Aviero and Figueira da Foz, and the ancient grand cities of Coimbra and Porto.
Are the roads safe in Portugal?
Yes, in Portugal, the roads we plan for our clients are generally very safe for cycling, with many sections having light traffic, especially outside of major towns. The road surfaces is mostly well-maintained, and drivers in Portugal are accustomed to cyclists.
We hate traffic just as much as you do – we stick where ever possible to small backroads, and if on gravel – the best smooth gravel tracks we can find. (We don’t like hike-a-bike either!)
What type of bike is best for this tour?
For this tour we recommend a gravel bike, or a sturdy road bike with gravel tyres. We can arrange for gravel bike hire for you – just get in touch.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The Serra da Estrela stay cooler than the surrounding countryside, so this is a good choice if you are looking for a summer tour. Really, any time outside of November – February is suitable, to the minimise the chance of winter rains.
Can I adjust this tour?
Of course. Either you can edit the route yourself, or speak to one of our team and we can help you with any adjustments you might want to make.
Please note that major changes to a tour will be considered a custom tour and we will have to charge extra for that service so that we can spend some time ensuring it’s exactly what you want!
What type of hotels can I expect?
For the most part, we book and recommend 3-4* hotels for our tours however if you book a self-guided tour, we can easily adjust this for you if you are looking for a higher spec of hotels.
We are very used to adjusting our self guided tours to suit the client, just let us know if you want to upgrade your hotels (subject to availability).
738km N2 cycling tour from North to South of Portugal
Guided, Self-Guided and Club options are available. Pricing starts at just €975pp.
Portugal is one of the least explored countries in Europe, and a true hidden gem for cyclists. During this trip you will traverse the country from North to South, starting from Chaves in the North and finishing in Faro on the south Algarve coast.
North
The north of Portugal is lush and green, world famous for the Douro Wine Region, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The ancient terraces cling to the side of every hillside, changing colour in Autumn turning the valleys to gold. leaving unforgettable images in the memory of any passing cyclists. K0 of the N2 road starts in Chaves, close to the border with Spain and this is where you will start your N2 cycling adventure!
Central
Central Portugal is characterised by the drier expansive plains of the Alentejo, small villages that feel utterly untouched by modern life, and some of the best producers of cheese, wine and olive oil in the country. For many miles cyclists will be grateful for the plane trees that line the route, providing shelter from the strong sun - but don't forget to look out for storks who roost in the telegraph poles beside the road.
South
As you reach Southern Portugal, the greenery returns along with a range of hills that produce a few punchy climbs but stunning views towards Spain and the surrounding 'Serra'. Cork oak plantations make a large majority of the roadside vegetation, along with beautiful orange groves on the approach to Faro.
The route is littered with magnificent castles, a reminder of its less peaceful past. The Algarve itself was one of the last strongholds of the 400 year long Islamic Conquest of Iberia, re-taken by the Christians in 1189, and in fact many place names, churches and the gastronomy of central and southern Portugal still hint at this rich heritage.
Swipe to compare example 6,7 and 8 day itineraries…
6 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 123km per day
7 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 105km per day
8 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 93km per day
Day 1: Porto – Pinhão – Lamego
43km
776m
You will start your journey on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe – along the Duoro Valley, covered in vineyards, to Pinhão.
Your first cycle starts along the river to Peso da Régua, the heart of wine production in the Douro Valley. You will join the N2, and finish the ride in Lamego – where you must head up to see the church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Day 2: Lamego – Viseu
63km
1200m
From Lamego, you will leave behind the vineyards for rolling hills of the north of Portugal.
Quiet beautiful small villages and forested hillsides. You will finish the day in Viseu, a historic town dating back to the Roman empire and beyond, and considered the possible birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal.
Day 3: Viseu – Seia
48km
800m
Today you will arrive at the foothills of the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountains of Portugal. In August it’s the perfect time to visit, as it will never be as hot as the surrounding lower lying countryside.
This whole region is truly unspoilt and just like it was years ago, with people still living in the same traditional way as they always have.
Day 4: Seia – Manteigas
44km
1200m
This day you will cycle further into the heart of the stunning Serra de Estrela, through small roads and tracks. This day is very flexible and can be lengthened or shortened very easily.
In Manteigas you can cool off in the beautiful natural river pools, and visit the waterfalls nearby.
Day 5: Rest Day / Manteigas Loop
22 – 51km
600 – 1300m
This day you can either take as a full rest day, to enjoy the hotel and pool, or take as a ride. There are a couple of options if you want to have a great loop in the hills. You could also do a hike instead along many of the stunning trails nearby.
Day 6: Manteigas – Unais de Serra
26 – 51km
800 – 1300m
This day will take you through the stunning valleys of the central Serra da Estrela, to Unhais da Serra. The longer version of todays ride will take you around a beautiful loop to Bouça, where you can swim in the natural pools there.
Day 7: Unais de Serra – Pidão
50km
900m
Today you will be cycling through the heart of the most breathtakingly beautiful countryside of Portugal from Serra de Estrela to Piodão, one of the ‘Aldeias do Xisto’ . It’s like going back in time a hundred years – old traditions live on in these small villages in the mountains.
Day 8: Piodão – Tabua
51km
890m
Out of Piodão there is a little bit of climbing, but after that you are rewarded by a fabulous descent away from the hills.
Day 9: Tabua – Coimbra
66km
880m
Today you will continue cycling down from the hills towards the famous Mondego River, passing through Penacova (known for its natural springs) and along the Ciclovia until Coimbra, Portugal’s historic university town.
Day 10: Rest – Coimbra
Make the most of a day here to refuel and explore this beautiful city!
Day 11: Coimbra – Figiera da Foz
42km
200m
This day can be very easy along the river via Montemor-o-Novo, and also I can make it longer – whichever you prefer!
Today you will see the Atlantic, at Figueira da Foz, a lovely seaside town where it’s vital to try the grilled fish and sardines!
Day 12: Figueira da Foz – Aviero
82km
200m
Today is a flat, easy cycling along the coast to the colourful waterfront town of Aveiro, built in Roman times as a centre for salt exploration and trade. You will stay in the sublime 5-star MS Collection Palacete which will be a real treat as you near the end of your trip.
Day 13: Aviero – Porto
All good things come to an end! You will finish with another flat, easy cycle along the coast up to Porto where you began your journey, following the EuroVelo1 for most of the way. You will have a short boat ride across the ‘Salinas de Aveiro’ in the middle of the day.
CUSTOM, CLUB AND LARGE GROUP CYCLING TOURS
Have you been tasked with organising a group or club trip?
We have run successful trips for large groups (up to 40 people) in the past, either point to point or staying in one or two places.
Club pricing can start as low as €925 per person with dinner, support vehicles, guiding and accommodation included. We can also arrange any bespoke tour for your club. In the past we have organised Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro and multiple others. Get in touch using the form below to request a quote, or arrange a call to discuss your requirements further.
SEND A RESERVATION or QUOTE REQUEST
Send us a reservation request below for the Serra da Estrela and Silver Coast Tour and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 working day to help finalise and plan your trip.
Don’t forget! We create bespoke trips too – anything you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.
Liked the sound of our N2 Portugal Cycling Tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal…
Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday
For the gravel riders. Enjoy an unforgettable off road / gravel cycling holiday in the Algarve! Let us introduce you to the best tracks and trails in the beautiful Algarve, both along the coast and inland.
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
Alentejo Adventure Self-Guided Gravel Bikepacking Tour
For the bikepackers. An adventure is on the horizon! Escape your normal routine and join us for a truly new and exciting gravel bikepacking experience into the Alentejo.
Faro to Lisbon Self-Guided Gravel Tour
For the gravel tourers. This is a fantastic gravel trip for anyone wanting to experience a wide range of landscapes - west coast, rolling Alentejo plains and the beautiful Algarve backroads.
Price range: €795,00 through €1.295,00
Authentic Algarve Road Cycling Holiday
For the roadies. An unforgettable week of road riding in the Algarve. Not just bikes – this cycling holiday is also about enjoying the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and landscapes too!
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour
For the challenge-seekers. A stunning road cycling holiday with a goal to achieve! Put your cycling legs to the test during this 6-day Challenge. A total of 738km, along Europes longest road.
Price range: €1.550,00 through €1.950,00
FAQ’s
Where can I find the self-guided tour prices?
Each self-guided cycling tour has it's own pricing - just head to the specific tour page and you will find all the details there. Costs will depend on group numbers, as well as time of the year.
Can I request specific GPX files for my own trip?
Yes. Contact us via this page and we will get your custom routes back to you within 24hrs.
Do you have tours for beginners too?
Yes! For example our EcoVia Self-Guided Coast Tour is perfect for cyclists who want a relatively flat cycle. We'd recommend starting with this one!
I would like to create my own bespoke holiday - can you help?
Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.
We can assist with:
- Booking hotels, villas or BnB's
- Hiring bikes
- Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
- Hiring guides
- Car Hire
- Booking restaurants
- Recommending cafes
- Airport transfers
We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!
What is your cancellation policy?
You can book in confidence with a very flexible cancellation policy which can be read in detail here.
We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.
Where are you based?
We are based in the central Algarve, in the south of Portugal. But we run road and gravel tours all over the country!
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